​How to Thrive in 2016I know that you want to excel in 2016. This year has the potential to be your best year ever, and together we are going to claim it. Maximizing this powerful Capricorn New Moon is a magical way to get started.

This New Moon activates transformational Pluto, and I cannot think of a better way to start the year. Remember, even NASA photos reveal that Pluto has a heart!The year has gotten off to a stellar beginning; perhaps you felt the shift. This week alone, Mercury stationed retrograde as the Sun joined Pluto on Tuesday the 5th and on Thursday, Jupiter also began his reverse trek.

Retrograde planets invite you to look inside, to think before plunging ahead. They also provide a safety of cover, and often longstanding issues are resolved during Mercury retrograde time periods.Did you know that many musicians, actors, and artists were born with Mercury retrograde? For musicians, having Mercury retrograde in their birth chart helps ‘tune into’ the sounds of harmony; they learn to speak a different language.

Violinist Yehudi Menuhin, singers Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder, and instrumentalist Wynton Marsalis were all born with Mercury retrograde. Astrology is another alternate language, and astrologers Alan Leo and Sydney Omarr were born also with Mercury retrograde (me too).

Survive and Thrive in the New Year AheadLearning to work with Pluto and not turning aside is one of my tips to thriving in 2016.One of the most compelling images for Pluto that I have ever received is that of a volcano.Deep inside a cavernous mound of earth is a smoldering fire and it is unknown if, how, or when the volcano will erupt.

Mythical Pluto also wears a cap that renders him invisible; so we never even know when he is about.You may feel a subtle anxiety around this New Moon because of the world situation; waiting for the next big explosion.

However, there is another planetary duo in the mix for 2016 – Saturn square Neptune; and this combination is doing a lot of the heavy lifting for transformation in the year ahead.Negatively, Saturn and Neptune can be likened to the masses following an evangelistic leader into the gates of hell; similar to the way old western hunters knew that if they could get the lead buffalo to jump off a cliff that the entire herd would follow.But, Saturn square Neptune holds hope for justice and redemption; the ‘bad guys’ (Neptune) get caught and even punished (Saturn).

First, the dark side must be exposed. It won’t happen overnight, but know that there is a holistic process in play now. The Saturn/Neptune square will ignite justice. It urges you to speak your truth, but you also must hear what others have to say, and both are empowering.I agree, the ground feels a bit shaky at times, but justice will prevail. You want to thrive today, tomorrow, and in every day of the year ahead.

Here’s your Pluto Planetary check list to support this Capricorn New Moon and start the year right:Cultivate Forgiveness (Mercy, Pardon, Compassion)Nurture Support (Provision, Sustenance, Patience)Dare to Dream ( Vision, Reverie, Contemplation)Plan for Success ( Strategy, Achievement, Victory)Accept What Is ( Receive, Utilize, Grow)​Affirming that you will Survive; you will Thrive, and enjoy the ride!